Among damp leaves, in our front yard,
a spotted salamander lies.
A nest of eggs it does guard....
from bugs and other eyes.
Its solitude I just have jarred.
I think for both it was a surprise.

With my finger I feel its skin;
it is cool, and still as a smooth stone.
To harm its nest would be a sin,
but I take a photo with my phone.
Then over my face there comes a grin.
I step back, leaving it alone.

What other wonders are there hid
from unseeing eyes of Man?
Though I've seen a lot since I was a kid,
if I try harder I know I can....
see much more by lifting the lid....
which covers Mother Nature's span.